While the Cougars gained the early lead over Owens, the Express managed to pull away with a series of 3-point shots by the half. Owens came out strong in the second half, leading by as many as 22 points, before the Cougars narrowed the deficit to just five points in the last 1:20 of the game. Foul trouble by the Cougars in the last minute allowed Owens to widen their lead to win by 11 points.

Rodney Willis was the second-highest scorer of the game, totaling 25 points on 9-for-16 shooting from the field. Willis also grabbed a team-high eight rebounds and two blocks.

Mario Young sunk in 14 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out three assists before fouling out of the game. Johnnie Robinson had a game-high nine assists and nearly missed a double-double with 11 points.

Grant Dierksheide dropped nine points, all three's, in the basket while A.J. Daniels and Dylan Geig added four and three points respectively.

Columbus State returns to action Wednesday, traveling to Cleveland to take on the No. 4 Cuyahoga at 6:30 p.m.